JAVMANewsSubsection

Assemblies

Posted Aug. 1, 2009

Dr. Joe Wakshlag

Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips

Event: 9th annual research symposium, June 3, MontrealProgram: The symposium offered six oral abstracts and eight poster presentations featuring nutrition research conducted at 11 institutions. Dr. Lynda Wykes of McGill University gave the keynote address on innovations in nutritional support of surgical patients.Business: A major initiative for 2009-2010 involves the recruitment of AAVN members to develop nutrition-based webinars for animal scientists, veterinarians, and veterinary technicians who are interested in learning more about how the National Research Council's requirements for multiple species are translated into applied nutrition. Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, sepratt2@ncsu.edu, may be contacted for more information.Officials: Drs. Joe Wakshlag, Ithaca, N.Y., president; Shannon Pratt-Phillips, Raleigh, N.C., vice president; Sarah Abood, East Lansing, Mich., secretary-treasurer; Korinn Saker, Raleigh, N.C., immediate past president; Wilbur Amand, West Chester, Pa., executive director; and members-at-large—Drs. Patrick Nguyen, Nantes, France; and Janine Oliver, Charlotte, N.C.

California VMA

Sara G. Kvaas

Dr. Mark Nunez

Dr. Dean Henricks

Event: Annual Pacific Veterinary Conference, June 18-21, AnaheimAwards: Outstanding Registered Veterinary Technician of the Year (private practice): Sara G. Kvaas, Santa Barbara. Kvaas is the senior technician at La Cumbre Animal Hospital in Santa Barbara. During her 24-year career, she has become known for her professionalism, patience and compassion, mentoring skills, positive attitude, and focus on teamwork. Meritorious Service Award: AHEAD with Horses, Sun Valley, won this award, given to those providing special attention to or promoting the human-animal bond in California. AHEAD with Horses is a nonprofit organization that provides equine education, therapy, and recreation for disabled and disadvantaged children. The organization serves more than 200 children in the Los Angeles area at five mobile sites and has worked with more than 100,000 children over the past 35 years.Officials: Drs. Mark Nunez, Burbank, president; Dean Henricks, Carmichael, president-elect; George Bishop, Carmel, treasurer; William Grant II, Anaheim, immediate past president; and Chris Cowing, San Mateo, member-at-large